(neat, rock glass) Nose: Strong brown sugar with barrel char and a hint of vanilla Palate: Spicy with oak and barrel char with some brown sugar notes. Small hints of fruity notes come through as well Finish: Spicy and pungent with some heat. The brown sugar sweetness fades quickly with lingering spice and barrel notes. Overall: Nice and sugary on the nose but a little rough on flavor and finish. Need to let the whiskey open up and/or try on ice. Edit: a few drops of water help to open the whiskey and smooth out the rough edges on the finish. Ice is ok, but makes it too one dimensional.